DrugRehab.com provides information regarding illicit and prescription drug
addiction, the various populations at risk for the disease, current statistics and trends, and
psychological disorders that often accompany addiction. You will also find information on spotting
the signs and symptoms of substance use and hotlines for immediate assistance.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the individual.
In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer information on
outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of care. In this section, you
will find information and resources related to evidence-based treatment models, counseling and
therapy and payment and insurance options.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer
information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options.
The recovery process doesn't end after 90 days of treatment. The transition back to
life outside of rehab is fraught with the potential for relapse. Aftercare resources such as
12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with
rewarding relationships and meaning.
Our community offers unique perspectives on lifelong recovery and substance use
prevention, empowering others through stories of strength and courage. From people in active
recovery to advocates who have lost loved ones to the devastating disease of addiction, our
community understands the struggle and provides guidance born of personal experience.
Detox is the second stage of the alcohol rehab process. During detox in a rehab facility, you’ll be closely monitored in a safe environment. You will receive fluids and nutritional supplements, and your doctor may prescribe medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.
People who are dependent on or addicted to alcohol should detox in a rehab facility. It’s possible to
safely detox from alcohol at home, but detoxing is risky for people who experience withdrawal when they quit drinking.
Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures and delirium tremens, also known as DTs, can be deadly. Detoxing at a
certified rehab facility ensures that you’ll be able to get through alcohol withdrawal safely.
Nanci Stockwell of The Recovery Village describes the advantages of receiving medically assisted detox for addiction
to alcohol and other drugs.
During the first phase of
alcohol rehab, the assessment phase, doctors determine the severity of your alcohol addiction. Some rehab centers
or referral services will provide an over-the-phone assessment if you call a
hotline for alcoholism. But a more comprehensive assessment will be performed when you arrive at the center. Then
you’ll transition into detox.
Supportive Care During Your Detox from Alcohol
Supportive care treats health conditions that commonly occur in people with alcoholism, such as irregular heartbeat, liver
problems, pancreas problems and other
alcohol-related diseases. During detox, your treatment team will make sure important organs continue to function
during withdrawal.
Nurses will monitor your vital signs and provide nutritional supplements throughout detox. They’ll also treat vitamin deficiencies
and dehydration to prevent a number of complications that commonly occur during unsupervised alcohol withdrawal.
Other aspects of supportive care include providing a comfortable and quiet environment. Low lighting, privacy and encouragement
can make patients more comfortable during the detox process. Physicians might also craft an alcohol detox diet plan when you are stable enough to eat.
Medications for Alcohol Withdrawal
The Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved medications specifically for alcohol detox. Most
medications for alcoholism are used during the counseling phase of rehab.
However, some medications are recommended for people who are likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Medications used during alcohol detox include:
Benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan)
Adrenergic medications (Catapres, Precedex)
Anticonvulsants (Tegretol, Depakene)
Antipsychotics, such as Haldol, have been used to treat some symptoms of DTs, but they may also increase the risk of seizures,
according to an article by Drs. Hugh Myrick and Raymond Anton published in the journal Alcohol Health & Research
World.
The treatment team may administer other common medications to treat complications of alcohol withdrawal, such as nausea,
vomiting, fever or headache.
How Kelly Found SobrietyAlcohol made her lose her job and friendships. Read about Kelly’s journey and how sobriety helped her find happiness.
Read Her Story
Withdrawal Complications During Detox
Alcohol withdrawal is a dangerous medical condition caused by abruptly stopping alcohol consumption after a period of heavy
drinking. In addition to common
alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures and delirium tremens, a number of complications can occur.
Other complications that can occur during alcohol detox include:
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep problems
Hallucinations
Heart problems
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by a deficiency in the vitamin thiamine, which is a common problem among alcoholics.
The syndrome can cause confusion, vision problems, memory loss and hallucinations. It isn’t caused by alcohol withdrawal,
but it can occur during the detox process if a person doesn’t receive adequate nutrition.
Learn more about how proper nutrition can aid recovery
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol?
The length of detox is determined by a number of factors, including a person’s height, weight, age and overall health. The
biggest factors are how long you’ve been drinking and how much you drink each day. People with severe
alcohol addiction will spend longer in detox than people with less severe addictions.
On average, the
length of alcohol detox is between five and seven days. The worst withdrawal symptoms usually start within eight
hours of a person’s last drink. The symptoms peak around the third day of detox, and most people complete detox within
a week.
After detox, you should begin
alcohol counseling. Detox helps you overcome withdrawal, but counseling and therapy help you overcome underlying
causes of addiction. After you complete detox and you progress through rehab, you’ll begin to experience the
benefits of quitting alcohol.
Chris Elkins worked as a journalist for three years and was published by multiple newspapers and online publications. Since 2015, he’s written about health-related topics, interviewed addiction experts and authored stories of recovery. Chris has a master’s degree in strategic communication and a graduate certificate in health communication.
Myrick, H. & Anton, R.F. (1998). Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal.
Schuckit, M.A. (2014, November 27). Recognition and Management of Withdrawal Delirium (Delirium Tremens).
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2006). Quick Guide For Clinicians Based on TIP 45 Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64115/
Trevisan, L.A. et al. (1998). Complications of Alcohol Withdrawal.
Calls will be answered by a qualified admissions representative with Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS), the owners of DrugRehab.com. We look forward to helping you!
Phone calls to treatment center listings not associated with ARS will go directly to those centers. DrugRehab.com and ARS are not responsible for those calls.
